Expert Q & A: Job Interview Mistakes to Avoid

When you have an opportunity to interview for a new job, it is critical to make a positive impression on the hiring manager. Too often, however, job seekers inadvertently do things that remove them from consideration. Julie Bauke, President of The Bauke Group and author of Stop Peeing on Your Shoes:Avoiding the 7 Mistakes That Screw Up Your Job Search, shares her expertise to help job seekers avoid making a few of the most common interview mistakes.

LoveToKnow (LTK): What do you see as the most common job interview mistake?

Julie Bauke (JB): Thinking it is all about you. Read this several times until you hear the message loud and clear. Employers really want to hire the right person. They are hoping that you are the right person so they can stop interviewing and get back to work. You must listen to what they want and need, and do your best to align your skills and experiences with what they need. Do not go into interviews intent on shoving information down their throats. If you seem to be stricken with verbal diarrhea, you will not get the job.

LTK: What are some of the other common interviewing errors:

JB: Not sweating the little things. I am constantly amazed at the things that job seekers do that knock them out of the running. Although to you these may be obvious, you would be surprised at how often they occur.

• Being rude to everyone but those who make the hiring decision. Yes, those you were rude to will make sure the decision-maker hears about it.
• Wearing too much smell. Tone down, or eliminate perfume, after shave or cologne for the interview. And if you smoke, you may think others don't notice. They do, and not in a good way.
• Lacking eye contact and pleasant facial expression. Are you presenting as someone the interviewer would want to work with?
• Making technology boo-boos. Leave your gadgets in the car. Really.
• Inappropriate dress. Know the dress culture of the company and go up a level.
• Personal appearance. Need I say that your clothes must be clean, your shoes polished, your skin not screaming "look at me!"? Your appearance must not be cause for comment. You do not want to be remembered as that woman obviously wearing her teen daughter's blouse.

LTK: Are there post-interview mistakes that job seekers need to be aware of and avoid?

JB: Yes. Failing to take the initiative and follow up in an appropriate manner is one of the biggest mistakes people make post-interview. If your interviewer says he will get back to you by Friday, and you don't hear back on Friday, call on Monday and politely ask if they need any further information from you, and reiterate your interest. No response? Wait a few days, and contact the interviewer again.

I don't believe any employer has the intent of stringing you along, but getting in touch with you may not be their top priority, and a million other things may have come up in the meantime. Be patient and professional.

Do I need to remind you of the importance of sending a thank you note within 24 hours of your interview? I hope not.

Avoid these Mistakes for Interviewing Success

Take Julie's advice to heart - and follow it - before your next interview. Doing so will help ensure that you make a positive impression on the interviewer.